Lafarge Environmental Manger John Reagan updated the Coeymans Town Board about progress with the Lafarge modernisation project at their recent meeting.

During a DEC Legislative Hearing on the topic January 20, roughly 30 speakers commented on the proposed new plant. A majority , including Congressman Paul Tonko, Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin, County Executive Mike Breslin and Ravena Mayor John Bruno spoke in favor of the modernisation.

"Last week was a big step in the permitting process," Reagan said. "I’m optimistic about our progress and I hope we may have an answer by the spring. We’re starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel."

Lafarge has applied for a SPEDES permit and an air permit for the new plant.

If the permits are granted, Lafarge will finish the new plant’s final design and procure equipment. The projected start time for construction is 2012, with a planned completion by 2014.

Reagan also provided specific responses to concerns raised by several speakers, including one about continuous monitoring.

Reagan said not only has Lafarge agreed to conduct post-construction ambient air monitoring for a year at two locations chosen by the DEC, there will be continuous monitoring of emissions for NOx, SO2, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, mercury and total hydrocarbons.